Mary Louise (nee Cronin) Schlachta, of Phoenixville, PA, passed away at Exton Senior Living on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. She was the wife of the late Captain Frank J. Schlachta, U.S. Army, retired. Mary Lou was born in the Olney section of Philadelphia, PA, and was the daughter of the late Anna D. (Mohan) Cronin and John W. Cronin. Raised in Warminster, Bucks County, she came to Phoenixville by way of the Valley Forge Army Hospital. Captain Schlachta suffered a heart attack at the Berlin Wall in 1962, and after his medical discharge, it was necessary that he resided near a military hospital. Residents since 1963, their three children were graduates of Phoenixville High School.

A graduate of Hahnemann University School of Medical Technology, Mary Lou worked at a small laboratory in Norristown, and from there went to GlaxoSmithKline Laboratories, retiring in 1991. She had previously worked as a legal secretary in Philadelphia and Norristown, but changed careers upon the death of her husband.

Over the years, Mary Lou participated in various clubs and organizations involving her children, such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Little League, and PTA activities. As the children grew older, she would join the Women's Club of Phoenixville, Soroptimist International, Phoenixville Community Concerts, and would participate in functions at the Officers' Wives Club at the Valley Forge Army Hospital. She was a social member of the VFW Post 1564, as well as the American Legion Post 482, where she previously had worked as a bartender. Mary Lou was also a member of the Vereinigung Erzgebirge German Club in Warminster, PA and the Roamers Hiking Club. She was an active Republican Committeewoman in her local East Pikeland precinct.

Mrs. Schlachta was preceded in death by three children, Frank E. Schlachta in 1994, Joanna L. Pritts in 2002, and Eric P. Schlachta in 2009. She is survived by eight grandchildren, David B., husband of Angel Pritts, Alicia M., wife of Shawn Hooker, Brent D. Pritts, husband of Megan Hicks, Samantha L. Schlachta, Jocelyn A. Schlachta, Jordan G. Schlachta, Sydney H. Schlachta, and Harrison J. Schlachta; two step-grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral ceremony at the GraceCrossing Community Church, 248 Church Street, Phoenixville, PA on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 11:00 am. Officiating will be Rev. Ronald Hughes. Friends will be received from 10:30 am - 11:00 on Tuesday. Mary Lou will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Frank, in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Disabled American Veterans by visiting www.IHelpVeterans.org. Condolences may be made by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.